Miniature Figure with Lighting Assembly

ABSTRACT

A miniature figure for a train set diorama which includes a light source, a fibre optic element near the light source and receiving light therefrom to simulate a glow at a desired location on the miniature figure.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of miniature figures for dioramas and in particular to miniature figures having a light source and an optical fiber for emitting light from a desired location of the miniature figure.

Dioramas of scenic representations having miniature figures with lifelike details that are displayed to blend with a realistic background have existed for many years. Dioramas are customarily used with train sets where scale models of people, animals, buildings and other objects are arranged with the train set on a board.

To improve the realistic “feel and look” of the diorama, it is desirable to include lighting effects within the miniature figures.

However, due to their size, prior art miniature figures have limitations on the placement of the lighting effect and the direction of the emitted light.

Prior art methods drill holes into the housing of the miniature figure to insert a light. However, drilling often breaks or creates cracks in the housing because of the small size of the figure.

In addition, the size of the light is often too large relative to the size of the miniature figure housing. Thus, the lighting effect overwhelms the miniature figure and diminishes the realistic appearance of the diorama.

Further, miniature figures have electrical wires exposed outside of the miniature figure housing for connecting the light to a power supply. The exposed wiring also diminishes the aesthetics of the diorama and increases the risk of a fault in the wires.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved miniature figure having a lighting effect which avoids the necessity of having to drill holes into the figure for inserting the light.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved miniature figure having a lighting effect that is properly related in degree to the size of the miniature figure.

Still further, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved miniature figure having means for protecting electrical light wires from shorts.

In addition, other objects of the present invention include an easy and economical design and small power consumption, so there is no danger of fire due to the heat generated from the light.

In accordance with the present invention, there is a miniature figure used for a diorama comprising: (I) a housing having a plurality of connected parts; (ii) an internal channel formed in at least one of the parts; (iii) a light supported in the housing; (iv) a primary lead wire that runs from an external power supply, enters the housing through a small opening and connects to the light and a second lead wire that runs from the light, exits through the same small opening and connects to the external power supply to complete an electrical circuit; and (iv) a fiber optic element having one end exposed to the light and an opposite end visible from the outside of the housing.

Portions of the lead wires in the housing are received in the internal channel to help protect against a short in the light circuit. An “on” switch on the power supply supplies electricity to the light, which, in turn, transmits light to the fiber optic. The fiber optic element transmits light through its length and creates the appearance of a glow or a single point of light at its visible end.

The miniature figure is assembled from multiple parts which provide better assembly in mass production and the ability to create any shape and desired lighting effect in the miniature figure. The housing parts can be formed of moldable materials, such as plastic.

The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and specific objects attained by its uses, reference is made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a third embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The miniature figure of the subject invention can form part of a diorama used for a train set or other ornamental display setting.

Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference numerals are used to refer to the same or similar elements, FIG. 1 shows, in exploded view, an embodiment of the miniature figure of a person holding a light. Although the embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 1, is in the form of a person holding a light, it is contemplated that the miniature figure may simulate the shape and appearance of any animate or inanimate object such, by way of example, a person of virtually any shape and design, an animal, a vehicle, and a building. The invention is not limited to any specific type of figure or object.

The miniature figure includes a housing 10 formed of multiple interconnecting parts or sections, namely, a front torso part 11, which consists of the front portion of the torso and head of the figure as a unitary piece; a rear torso part 12; a left arm part 13; a left leg and foot 14 part, which consists of the left leg and left foot as a unitary piece; a right leg and foot part 15 comprised of at least two pieces, as shown in FIG. 1, an outer member 15 a and an inner member 15 b; and a right arm and light device part 16, i.e., flashlight, formed of at least two pieces, a top member 16 a and a bottom member 16 b, which when assembled form the right arm and lighting device. The top member 16 a and bottom member 16 b can be integrally formed with the front torso part 11 and the rear torso part 12, respectively. The parts of the light device are denoted by 18 a, 18 b.

The housing 10 includes connection means for connecting the adjacent parts or sections of the housing 10. As shown, in FIG. 1, the connection means comprise peg and hole connectors 19 a, 19 b. However, the connection means can also comprise other types of fasteners, such as snap-fit, ball and socket, friction, among others.

A light source 30, preferably a LED (light emitting diode), is housed in a cavity 17 formed in the housing 10. The light source 30 can also be a conventional incandescent bulb. The cavity 17 is located between the front torso part 11 and the rear torso part 12. The cavity 17 includes an opening 17 a formed at the outer edge 12 a of the rear torso part 12.

Although FIG. 1 shows the cavity 17 in the rear torso part, the cavity 17 can also be formed in the front torso part 11. Alternatively, the cavity 17 can consist of corresponding indentations or depressions formed on the inside surfaces of the front torso part 11 and the rear torso part 12. The cavity 17 may, moreover, be located in any part of the housing 10. The location of the cavity 17 depends on the design of the figure and the desired location of the lighting effect.

The light source 30 is energized by a power source (not shown), such as a battery or AC current, located at a remote location from the housing 10. A switch (not shown) is operatively coupled to the power source for energizing and de-energizing the power source.

A first lead wire 35 supplies power from the power source to the light source 30 and a second lead wire 36 travels from the light source 30 to the power source to form an electrical circuit. A resistor 37 connected to the first lead wire 35 forms part of the electrical circuit. When the switch is in the closed position, the light source and power source are electrically connected causing the light source to emit light.

The lead wires 35, 36 enter and exit the housing 10 through an access hole 22 which is preferably located at the base of the housing 10 so that the lead wires 35, 36 are sufficiently hidden and do not detract from the aesthetics of the miniature figure.

The housing 10 includes a guide means that guides the lead wires 35, 36 from the access hole 22 through inner parts of the housing 10. The guide means protects the lead wires 35, 36 from damage which can result in a short in the electrical circuit. The guide means also encases the lead wires 35, 36 so that they are hidden and do not diminish the appearance of the miniature figure.

The guide means can consist of a passage 21, such as a channel, formed in an inner wall 25 of at least one part of the housing 10. The passage 21 starts approximately at the access hole 22 and extends through at least one part of the housing 10. The passage 21 can extend through the inner walls of multiple parts of the housing 10, whereby the passages 21 formed in adjacent parts of the housing 10 are contiguous with each other. A different passage 21 can exist for each of the lead wires 35, 36.

As shown in FIG. 1, the outer member 15 a of the right leg part includes the passage 21. The inner member 15 b of the right leg part can also include the passage 21. Alternatively, the mating surfaces of the outer member 15 a and the inner member 15 b can include corresponding internal grooves or paths which together form the passage 21. The passage 21 can be formed by corresponding internal grooves on the inner mating surfaces of any parts of the housing 10. The parts of the housing having these corresponding internal grooves can be symmetrical in shape and/or size.

The housing 10 includes a slot 23 or second passage formed in an inner wall of one of the housing parts. The location, dimensions, shape, direction and orientation of the slot 23 depend on design of the housing 10 and the desired location of the lighting effect. The slot 23 preferably has a first open end 23 a at a location proximate the exterior surface of the housing 10 and a second open end 23 b at a location proximate the opening 17 a of the cavity 17. The slot 23 connects to the cavity 17 so that the slot 23 and cavity form a contiguous path.

As shown in FIG. 1, the slot 23 has a primary section 23 c that extends longitudinally from a first outer edge of the bottom member 16 b of the right arm part to a secondary section 23 d that extends at an angle from the primary section 23 c to a second outer edge of the bottom member proximate the opening 17 a. Although FIG. 1 shows the slot 23 in an arm part of the housing 10, the slot 23 can be located in any part of the housing and have any path and shape based on the desired lighting effect. The slot 23 can be formed by corresponding grooves formed in mating surfaces of housing parts.

The slot 23 houses a fiber optic element 40 having an interior end 41 that is positioned inside the housing 10 and an exposed end 42 that is visible from outside of the housing 10 and located proximate the exterior surface of the housing 10. The fiber optic element 40 preferably has a shape that corresponds to the shape of the slot 23. The interior end 41 of the fiber optic element 40 is adjacent the opening 17 a of the cavity 17. The second open end 23 b of the slot 23 is preferably aligned with the opening 17 a to maximize the transmission of light to the fiber optic element 40.

The fiber optic element 40 is preferably of a type such that, when a source of light or illumination is placed proximate one end of a length of the optical fiber, the light is carried along its length so that the opposite end is illuminated.

The light source 30 which is housed in the cavity 17 illuminates the fiber optic element 40 so that a bright illuminated spot or glow is formed at the exposed end 42 of the fiber optic element 40. In FIG. 1, the exposed end 42 simulates a light bulb of a light device 18. Light emitted from the light source 30 is transmitted along the fiber optic element 40 and thereby illuminates the fiber optic element's exposed end 42 to provide a single point of light and to the part of the miniature figure.

The use of the light source 30 and fiber optics provide for desired lighting effect and projection of light from any part of the housing 10 of the miniature figure. The fiber optics provide for the lighting effects to extend to parts and/or projections of the housing 10 which are not accessible and/or can not accommodate an LED and/or an incandescent bulb.

FIG. 2 displays, in exploded view, a miniature figure simulating a man with a lit smoking piece 28, such as a cigar, where an exposed end 41 of a fiber optic element 40 simulates the lit end of the smoking piece 18.

The housing 10 of the miniature figure is comprised of a front shell part 11, a rear shell part 12 and a right arm and hand part 13 holding the smoking piece 13 a. The front shell part 11 includes a front left arm part 14 a, a front head part 15 a, front leg part 16 a, a front torso part 18 a and feet 19. The rear shell part 12 includes a rear leg part 16 b, a rear torso part 18 b and a rear left arm part 14 b.

The feet 19 of the front shell part 11 include a lateral edge 19 a upon which the bottom edge 16 c of the rear shell part 12 rests when the housing 10 is fully assembled.

A cavity 17 is formed in the rear shell part 12. A light source 30 is housed in the cavity 17.

The smoking piece 13 a has a slot 23 which, when the housing 10 is assembled, is aligned with an opening 24 formed in front head part 15 a.

The fiber optic element 40 has an inner end 41 that is positioned inside the housing 10 and an exposed end 42 that is visible from outside of the housing 10. The fiber optic element 40 extends from the light source, passes through the opening 24 into the hollow smoking piece 13 a. The light source 30 transmits light to the fiber optic element 40 which, in turn, passes the light to its exposed end 42 simulating a burning end of the cigar 18.

The rear shell part 12 includes a channel 21 formed in one of the legs (shown in right leg in figure) that extends upwardly at least the entire length of the leg. Electrical conductors 35, 36, i.e., wires, are housed in the channel 21. The electrical conductors 35, 36 enter and exit the housing 10 through an access hole 22 formed in the bottom part of the housing 10 so that the conductors can be hidden from view to provide more aesthetically pleasing appearance. The electrical conductors 35, 36 are connected to a power source (not shown) for energizing the light source 30.

FIG. 3 shows, in exploded view, another embodiment of a FIG. 10 simulating a coal minor wearing a minor's hat with a light 13. The figure has a front shell part 11 and a rear shell part 12. A first passage 21 which houses electrical conductors 35, 36 connect to a cavity 17 which houses a light source 30. A second passage 23, which houses a fiber optic element 40, extends from the cavity 17 to an opening on the exterior surface of the body housing. The exposed end of the fiber optic element simulates the light on the minor's hat. The light and electrical conductors are connected and work in the same manner as described for the aforementioned embodiments.

The first passage 21, cavity 17 and second passage 23 form preferably a continuous, unitary path formed on either the front shell part 11 or rear shell part 12 of the body housing.

While a specific embodiment of the invention has been shown and described in detail to illustrate the application of the principles of the invention, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise without departing from such principles. 

1. A miniature figure of a person comprising: a body housing formed of a plurality of separate attachable components including, a torso having a front part, a rear part, a cavity and an opening providing access to the cavity, a pair of arms where at least one of the arms being formed of at least two pieces, a pair of legs where at least one of the legs being formed of at least two pieces, a first passage formed within the at least one of the legs being formed of at least two pieces, the first passage being in communication with a hole formed in a bottom end of the body housing; a second passage formed within the at least one of the arms being formed of at least two pieces, the second passage having a first open end proximate the exterior surface of the body housing and a second open end proximate the opening providing access to the cavity; a light source that is housed in the cavity; a fiber optic element housed in the second passage, the fiber optic element having a first end that receives light from the light source and a second end that is visible from outside of the miniature figure; a conductor that passes through the hole and is received in the first passage for operatively connecting the light source to a power source.
 2. The miniature figure of a person as claimed in claim 1 wherein the miniature figure is shaped to simulate a person with a smoking piece and the second end of the fiber optic element simulates a burning end of the smoking piece.
 3. The miniature figure of a person as claimed in claim 1 wherein the miniature figure is shaped to simulate a person carrying a light and the second end of the fiber optic element simulates a glow from the light.
 4. The miniature figure of a person as claimed in claim 1 wherein the miniature figure is a figure for use in a diorama for a train set.
 5. A miniature figure of a person comprising: a body housing formed of separate attachable components including, a first part and a second part each having sections of the person's body, a cavity formed between the first part and the second part, a first passage formed within a section of the first part or second part, and a second passage formed within the first part or second part, the second passage being connected to the cavity; a light source that is supported in the cavity; a fiber optic element housed in the second passage, the fiber optic element having a first end that receives light from the light source and a second end that is visible from outside of the miniature figure; and a conductor that passes through an aperture formed in the body housing and is received in the first passage for operatively connecting the light source to a power source.
 6. The miniature figure of a person as claimed in claim 5 wherein the miniature figure is shaped to simulate a person with a smoking piece and the second end of the fiber optic element simulates a burning end of the smoking piece.
 7. The miniature figure of a person as claimed in claim 5 wherein the miniature figure is shaped to simulate a person carrying a light and the second end of the fiber optic element simulates a glow emitted from the light.
 8. The miniature figure of a person as claimed in claim 5 wherein the the first part includes the person's feet and a ledge protruding outwardly from the rear of the feet and the second part includes a bottom edge that rests upon the ledge of the first part.
 9. The miniature figure of a person as claimed in claim 5 wherein the first passage, the cavity and the second passage form a unitary path in the first part or second part of the body housing.
 10. A miniature figure for use in a diorama comprising: a housing; a light source supported in the housing; a means for supplying power to the light; a means for guiding the conductor within the housing; and a means for transmitting light from the light source to a location visible from outside of the housing.
 11. The miniature figure as claimed in claim 10 wherein the housing simulates a person with a smoking piece and the means for transmitting light from the light source simulates a burning end of the smoking piece.
 12. The miniature figure as claimed in claim 10 wherein the housing simulates a person with a light device and the means for transmitting light simulates a glow from the light device.
 13. The miniature figure of a person as claimed in claim 10 wherein the miniature figure is a figure for use in a diorama for a train set.
 14. The miniature figure as claimed in claim 10 wherein the housing is formed of at least two parts.
 15. The miniature figure as claimed in claim 14 wherein the housing includes a first passage that houses the means for guiding the conductor within the housing, a cavity that houses the light source and a second passage that houses the means for transmitting light from the light source to a location visible from outside of the housing, and the first passage, the cavity and the second passage form a unitary path formed in one of the at least two parts of the housing.
 16. The miniature figure as claimed in claim 10 wherein the means for guiding the conductor within the housing comprises a channel formed in an inner wall of the housing.
 17. The miniature figure as claimed in claim 16 wherein the housing is formed of multiple parts and the channel extends through the inner walls of at least two adjacent multiple parts.
 18. The miniature figure as claimed in claim 16 wherein the channel is located in a part of the housing formed of at least two members having mating surfaces, and the channel is formed in the mating surface of at least one of the two members.
 19. The miniature figure as claimed in claim 18 wherein the two members are symmetrical.
 20. The miniature figure as claimed in claim 10 wherein the means for transmitting light from the light source comprises a fiber optic element having a first end that receives light from the light source and a second end that is visible from outside of the miniature figure.
 21. The miniature figure as claimed in claim 20 wherein the fiber optic element is supported in a slot formed in the housing, the slot having a first open end at a location proximate the exterior surface of the housing and a second open end adjacent the light source.
 22. The miniature figure as claimed in claim 21 wherein the slot is located in a part of the housing formed of at least two members having mating surfaces and the slot is formed within the mating surfaces.
 23. The miniature figure as claimed in claim 21 wherein the light source is supported in a cavity having an opening formed in the housing, the slot includes a first section that extends from a first outer edge of the housing and a second section that extends at an angle from the first section to a second outer edge of the housing proximate the opening of the cavity.
 24. The miniature figure as claimed in claim 10 wherein the miniature figure simulates a person, the housing is formed of a plurality of separate attachable parts including, a first part having a portions of the person's body and a ledge protruding outwardly from a bottom end of the first part, and a second part having portions of the person's body that correspond to the portions of the first part, the second part including a bottom edge that rests upon the ledge of the first part. 